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World Nomad Games

World Nomad Games Day Two: An Air of Celebration – An Interview With Team Australia

The second day of the World Nomad Games saw a plethora of events taking place across Astana. TCA visited the Hippodrome and the Ethnoaul – home to numerous exhibits and competitions - where the excitement was palpable. A mélange of colors and sights filled the Ethnoaul arena, from traditional music and costumes to camels, Tazy dogs, and eagles. A deep sense of national pride and hospitality permeated proceedings, with visitors and athletes alike warmly greeted. [caption id="attachment_22909" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] At the horseback wrestling, where a flag-waving home crowd whipped up a frenzy as competitors emerged in their flowing capes, TCA caught up with Leo Lambers and Aiden Slack from Team Australia, a doctor and a consultant originally from Melbourne, respectively. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/0b9ef8da-79d3-4053-9287-7b2673f8f80d.mp4"][/video] “There are twelve athletes from Australia in total,” Lambers told TCA; “ten are participating in the archery, they're all from Sydney, and there's just us two doing the mas-wrestling. My brother came to Kyrgyzstan about six years ago, and he met some locals and did mas-wrestling for fun. When he came back, he challenged us to do it, and we’ve really loved it since then. We only do it socially - there's no competitions we know of in Australia. So, we just do it with friends whenever we get the chance. We knew these Games were going to happen, so we thought we’d come. It's actually our first competition, so it’s a pretty big jump for us.” [caption id="attachment_22911" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] “We’ve never been to Central Asia before, so it's a good opportunity for us to visit and experience more of the culture as well as completing,” Slack said. “We're going to fly down to Almaty afterwards for a week and do some trekking as well, which will make it even more enjoyable. I competed today against two opponents, one from Pakistan and one from Kyrgyzstan, and hats off to them; they were very strong athletes. So, I'm out of the competition for now, but Leo's competing tomorrow.” [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/398fb080-eae3-45fa-bd71-31023274eead.mp4"][/video] “There are different weight categories. I was hoping to lose a few more kilos than I have and get down below 90 kilos, but I'm in the highest weight category, 105 kilos, and the world champion is in my category,” Lambers told TCA. “It's down to the luck of the draw; there's some really, really big people in there, but it's amazing to even be here.” [caption id="attachment_22913" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] TCA asked if Australia has any medal hopefuls. “We have high hopes for the Australian archers,” Slack said; “they’re a pretty good bet to at least get a medal. Hopefully, they can pull through for us.” “The Games are probably more established than I thought they would be, but also more chaotic,” said Lambers. “There's a lot of sports I'd never looked into it, there’s the scientific program, board games and intellectual games, as well as the...

Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nursultan Nazarbayev Poses for the Cameras – in Uzbekistan

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the former longtime president of Kazakhstan whose legacy was tarnished by accusations of autocracy and corruption, has made a rare public appearance, visiting several sites in the historic Uzbek city of Bukhara. Uzbekistan24 television showed Nazarbayev with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as the pair walked, prayed and posed for cameras together on Friday. Local media reports said they discussed the preservation of cultural heritage and the education of young people. Mirziyoyev returned to Tashkent on Saturday and was in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday to attend the opening of the World Nomad Games, an international event celebrating traditional sports in Central Asia. Nazarbayev’s appearance resembled more of a stroll with an old friend than a formal event. But it was unusual to see the 84-year-old former leader out and about because he has tended to keep a low profile in recent years. The government of his successor, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has distanced itself from parts of Nazarbayev’s legacy, promising to be more responsive to people’s concerns and launching corruption investigations of some of the former leader’s relatives in order to recover state assets. Nazarbayev had ruled Kazakhstan since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, burnishing his reputation with the help of the young country’s massive oil wealth and skilled outreach to foreign investors and governments. However, as inequality and economic pressures grew, he resigned in 2019 while retaining some powerful roles in government. He was stripped of those posts as Tokayev grappled with fallout from protests and riots in January 2022 in which Nazarbayev was condemned as an authoritarian holdover. More than 200 people were killed in the violence, which ended after troops from Russia and other regional countries intervened.

World Nomad Games

World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony: A Fusion of the Ancient and the Modern

With much pageantry, September 8 saw Astana host the opening ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games, themed as the "Gathering of the Great Steppe." A procession of singers and dancers in tall white telpek hats and flowing red and gold robes opened proceedings, marrying modern beats to traditional music. This fusion of the ancient and the present was a key theme running through the entire event. With the melodies building to crescendo, the flag-waving crowd lifted their torches aloft, chanting “Kazakhstan,” before the national anthem peeled out from the stage. With 89 countries participating in this edition, the parade of athletes followed, each nation led forth by a white steed and a woman in a traditional, sparkling costume. From the hundreds representing the Kyrgyz Republic – a perennial champion at the World Nomad Games – to far smaller contingents, such as the three representatives from Benin, each nation was afforded their moment in the spotlight. Last, but far from least, the athletes from Kazakhstan emerged to a huge roar of appreciation. Taking to the podium with the keynote address, President Tokayev told the crowd Kazakhstan is “known to everyone as a land of peace and coexistence. The games, he stated, are a “great event on a global scale… Nomadic civilization has left a deep mark on world history. The new technologies they developed provided the impetus for global progress. Five thousand years ago, nomads domesticated the horse and shaped a horseback riding culture that spread across the world… Serving as a bridge between East and West, nomads played a crucial role in the rapprochement of various cultures. “The great nomadic life will never cease to exist,” Tokayev concluded. “Even amid globalization, the nomadic lifestyle that existed for a thousand years is reviving and taking a new shape. Modern nomads are making efforts to reclaim a central place in history. We are moving and traveling easily all over the world in search of education and job opportunities.” First Deputy Prime Minister, Roman Sklyar took the opportunity to emphasize that in the wake of unprecedented floods, the nation had grasped this moment to show “resilience in our commitment to our traditions.” Respect and solidarity were at the core of his address, whilst without naming specific conflicts which continue to cast a long shadow over the region, Skylar stated that there can be “no peace without unity.” Specifically mentioning the conflict in Gaza, the son of Turkey’s President, Bilal Erdogan, President of the World Ethnosport Confederation echoed these sentiments, remarking that the games represent the “bonds of unity that the world needs today more than ever.” [video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Video-2024-09-08-at-23.10.59.mp4"][/video] Also in attendance at the event hosted by President Tokayev were the President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Aisen Nikolayev, and the former president of Mongolia, Nambaryn Enkhbayar. Dazzling visuals marked the end...

World Nomad Games

Preparations for World Nomad Games in Full Swing

The excitement is palpable as the World Nomad Games draw near, with preparations reaching their peak. In the heart of Kazakhstan, the Ethnoaul village has transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, with 17 regions proudly showcasing their heritage through the erection of traditional yurts. These structures not only serve as a testament to Kazakhstan's rich nomadic history but also as a welcoming space for visitors to experience the warmth of Kazakh hospitality. [caption id="attachment_22839" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] The village is buzzing with activity as skilled craftsmen display their intricate handiwork, from ornate textiles to beautifully crafted jewelry, each piece telling a story of cultural legacies. Artists are bringing the village to life with vibrant performances and exhibitions, while chefs are preparing to tantalize the taste buds of attendees with traditional Kazakh cuisine, offering a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the region. [caption id="attachment_22840" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] Athletes, musicians, and performers from all corners of the globe have descended upon the village, each bringing their unique flair to the games. Among them, TCA met enthusiastic archers from France and Poland, whose passion for the sport is matched only by their eagerness to engage with fellow competitors and share in the cultural exchange that the games foster. [caption id="attachment_22841" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] Nature has its own plans, however, with forecasts predicting rain, casting a shadow over the festivities. Yet, the spirit of the participants remains undampened, as they view the challenge as an opportunity to unite under a common cause, demonstrating their resilience and camaraderie. [caption id="attachment_22842" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption]

Silk Road Treasures

Silk Road Treasures: Almaty’s Mountains

Under the banner of "Silk Road Treasures", TCA's people -journalists, editors, authors- share their personal experiences of Central Asia and her people, and by listing their favorite places, literature, films, architecture and archaeological sites, alongside encounters with customs and traditions, provide pointers for readers wishing to visit the region. Vagit Ismailov, Journalist The first thing a travelers notice when descending at Almaty International Airport are the towering snow-capped peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. However, alongside their majestic presence which make this city unique, the mountains harbour a constant threat which anyone who has experienced an earthquake whilst inside a high-rise building, will both well understand and fear. Almaty, capital of Kazakhstan until 1997, is one of those cities whose growth is independent of either metropolitan status or the presence of large enterprises. Now one of the most dynamic cities in the post-Soviet space and, perhaps, one of the most prosperous in Central Asia, the ever-evolving city absorbs money from other regions and boasts a wealth of amenities, high-end restaurants and cosy cafes to welcome customers day and night. Inevitably, the population continues to rise and as commented by one of Almaty's akims (mayors), every day, the number of people entering the city is equivalent to Latvia's population of over 1.5 million. As a result, the roads are constantly clogged with traffic, again showing the megacity's restless energy and the potential for further growth. Amidst the boom in development which has spurred the construction of modern residential and business complexes, the city center remains quintessentially Soviet in style, flanked by streets of familiar communist apartment blocs from the sixties and seventies. Today's new builds reach for the sky but under the Soviet regime, high-rise construction was forbidden in Almaty. The only exception was the Kazakhstan Hotel, which standing 102 meters high, is now the city's third tallest building. Constructed in 1977, it was designed to withstand zone 9-point seismic activity, but nevertheless, its survival of several earthquakes is regarded as miraculous. [caption id="attachment_22785" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Hotel "Kazakhstan" Image: @iStock[/caption] The proximity of the mountains and unspoilt natural landscape, provide residents and tourists alike, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. The nearby resorts of Shymbulak and Medeo, home to the world's largest ice rink which sits like a diamond in a box of green velvet, offer a range of winter sports facilities. Cable cars traversing deep gorges, operate all year round, aiding access to the high pastures, and panoramic views of the Tien Shan ranges, and numerous, graded hiking trails wind through passes to lakes and waterfalls. Scenery aside, visitors can experience more of what Kazakhstan has to offer by sampling local fayre in various venues and watching demonstrations of eagle hunting, and for lovers of antiquity, there are petroglyphs to be discovered, carved on red rock, and the famous Boroldai Saka Burial mounds, dating back to V-VIII BC. [caption id="attachment_22786" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Medeo. Image: @iStock[/caption] But the threat of the Zailiyskiy Alatau is ever-present. In 1887, ...

Global Supply Chains

The Onset of “Friend-Shoring” in Central Asia

As Central Asia’s significance for global supply chains grows, the world’s major economic powers are seeking closer economic ties with the region’s countries. China, Russia, and the West all curry favor through investments and initiatives to bolster the region’s exports and secure their supply chains. Bordering China and Russia, Central Asia spans a land surface area corresponding to 87% the size of the entire European Union (EU). The region has a combined market of 76 million people and gross domestic product of 450 billion U.S. dollars. It is critical to global energy supply chains as it possesses 20% of the world's uranium reserves, as well as 17.2% of total oil and 7% of natural gas deposits. Kazakhstan produces over half of the EU’s critical raw materials, i.e. substances used in technology which are subject to supply risks and are hard to replace with substitutes. In the first seven months of 2024, rail cargo across the Middle Corridor, a trans-Caspian trade route linking China to Europe, has increased 14-fold compared to the same period last year. As the region opens up and undergoes significant economic transformation, supply chains are increasingly directed there, sparking competition for control over its vast natural resources and production capabilities. Major economic powers are stepping in to strengthen bilateral ties to ensure reliable trade partnerships. These strategies, known as “friend-shoring,” aim to reduce geopolitical risks, enhance supply chain stability, and transform Central Asian countries into trusted allies by fostering strong bilateral relationships and deeper economic ties. China and Russia remain at the helm of regional activity China has been actively engaging with Central Asian countries through strengthening economic ties and building strategic partnerships. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance infrastructure and trade connectivity across the region, China has helped strengthen the region’s rail network. China supplies equipment and invests in Uzbekistan’s electric vehicles, scooters, and leather production. Uzbekistan, in partnership with PowerChina and Saudi company ACWA Power, is also constructing the country’s first green hydrogen plant. Kyrgyzstan’s bilateral trade with China was up 30% in 2023 compared to 2022. This year, Turkmenistan has surpassed Russia in gas exports to China. In 2023, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports to China doubled to $1 billion compared to 2022, making China the largest importer of agricultural products from the country. Historically, Russia has been a major trading partner for Central Asian countries due to the Soviet legacy of a command economy, which established strong economic interdependencies that persisted in post-USSR period. While the region is aggressively diversifying its trade relationships, Russia is increasing gas supplies and energy infrastructure investments, specifically in renewables and nuclear facilities. Kazakhstan delivers most of its oil to Europe through Russia. Russian-led organizations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), promote cooperation and economic integration with free movement of goods, services, and capital among member states. Russia's war against Ukraine has disrupted supply chains, but it has also opened up new trade opportunities, especially for Kazakhstan, as...